What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business? We asked nine quite different Sussex business owners this question. Their answers were varied and brilliant. May they inspire you.
Write it down
“In 1985, my Latin teacher inadvertently taught me the most important business lesson when she uttered: ‘Verba volant, scripta manent’ translated to ‘Spoken words fly away, written words remain’. This sentence has been a constant companion throughout my business life, frequently reminding me to always write things down. It’s served me well. A written partnership agreement saved me tens of thousands of pounds when the partnership soured. I always record and share written action points from meetings so no one can claim amnesia or ask, ‘Did I really say I’d do that’? Written words become permanent and make the conversation immoveable. In a world where fleeting conversations happen in the blink of an eye, the written word protects all parties from distortion or memory loss, convenient or otherwise.”
Freddie St George MBE, Managing Director, Raring2go! Freddie is also one of our newly appointed columnists
Create a strong brand
“Creating a strong brand must start with me. My focus as a recognised and award-winning outdoor activity provider has always been to provide professional, inspiring, and memorable outdoor experiences of the highest quality. However, I have come to understand and realise that customers connect just as much with the person behind the logo as with the quality walking experiences we offer. The more focus I put on telling my story, for example, with my lifelong love of extreme weather, including tornado chasing, and revealing the person behind the business, the clearer and stronger our message, and our brand becomes.”
Kirstie Betts, co- founder, Pied A Terre Adventures
Trust and belief
“That when you feel deep down you have a powerful message to share, you mustn’t give up or wait for others to validate you. Trusting and believing in yourself is essential. I learned this when I pitched BBC Radio 2 with no website, no followers, and no business behind me. I sent three pitches and told only a few people; avoiding the fear and doubts they might project at me. When the BBC finally said yes, that interview in front of millions transformed my new business overnight. Always make sure you’re your biggest cheerleader and remember to practice it daily!”
Sharon Bolt is the Founder of Get Free Publicity Today & The Magnetic Media Empire. Sharon also writes a monthly column for Sussex Exclusive about training dogs and their owners
Don’t wait for permission
“That you must trust your intuition long before the results appear. In business, your inner knowing is often ahead of your logic, and every time I ignored it, I paid for it in time, energy, and momentum. I also learned that you only realise how talented you are when you stop waiting for permission and start showing up fully as yourself. The moment you claim your space unapologetically, everything shifts. Clients respond, opportunities open, and your work becomes both purposeful and profitable. Authenticity isn’t a strategy; it’s the foundation that keeps your business aligned, resilient and thriving.”
Janine Lowe Feng Shui Consultant/Chinese Astrologer and Bestselling Author, Feng Shui your way to Abundance. Janine is also a columnist for Sussex Exclusive
Make that commitment
“I have much more potential than I acknowledge, with abilities I can sometimes overlook or downplay to fit in and not be seen as ‘showy.’ So don’t waste time doubting yourself as I did for way too many years, succumbing to imposter syndrome and embracing fear of failure rather than the very real prospect of headline turning success! Step into your circle of power just as I do now and make that commitment to move from The Seeker to The Sought After.”
Dee Blick FCIM international bestselling author, including her latest book, You’re the Best! How to Build an Authentic and Magnetic Personal Brand. Dee is also Commissioning Editor for Sussex Exclusive
Be clear on your information
“Don’t presume anything. Assumptions have led me in the wrong direction, created confusion, and caused missed opportunities – when I thought what had worked before would always work. Check the facts, ask direct questions, make sure you understand a situation properly before acting. When you stay open-minded, you can be flexible to change with markets and people and be a better leader. Honest conversations and ongoing curiosity mean more effective decision making and trust building. Be clear on your information. Keep focused on what’s real, not what you think is true.”
Michaela Sargeant, House of Colour Horsham. Michaela is one of our newly appointed columnists
Delegation and autonomy
“When growing my business from it being just me, I had to learn to trust my team to work with me and for the good of the company, I had to give them autonomy by letting go of the need for complete control. This has given me the space to focus on what’s important in my business at any given time. I’ve also had to realise I cannot do everything, so delegation is now an intrinsic part of my working day. Building a team that trusts me and that I trust, has been fundamental to the success of my business.”
Kate Fuller, award-winning mortgage adviser
Be you
“I’ve learned that being myself, stamping my identity on everything I do, gives me an inner confidence which helps when, on occasion anxiety and doubt creep in. I have a passion for what I do, and I want my clients to feel this! I’ve also learnt over many years that my authenticity and enthusiasm are the solid foundations of my business. My emotional connection with clients is powerful and instrumental in them coming back with new commissions. I’m open to learning and welcome challenges which improve my resilience. I aim for my life and my work, to be meaningful and unique.”
Carole Coleman, interior designer with a difference and Sussex Exclusive columnist
Stay ahead, upskill and be curious
“You can’t afford to sit still in business. The world moves fast, what worked last month might not today. The most valuable thing I’ve learned is the power of intentional learning. It’s about making time to stay ahead and upskill. For me, knowing the platforms inside out, spotting early shifts, and adapting quickly. In my world, curiosity isn’t optional! You must invest in your own knowledge to keep delivering for others; the minute you stop learning, you fall behind.”
Michelle Betts, ByJove Media, bestselling non-fiction author and Sussex Exclusive columnist, founder of The Sussex Scroll
Have our contributors inspired you? What is the biggest lesson you have learned in business? If you think you have a potential business article to share that will inspire and inform our readers, please contact Dee Blick Commissioning Editor at dee@themarketinggym.org
About Dee Blick FCIM
Dee has just written her fifth marketing book, which debuted at No 1 in six categories on Amazon. With You’re the Best! How to Build an Authentic and Magnetic Personal Brand, Dee shows you step by step how you can move from The Seeker to The Sought After. Chapters include Why being authentic is the ace up your sleeve, building your business brand alongside your personal brand, overcoming fear of failure, how to create a powerful brand plan and how to secure content that underpins your influence and expertise. Dee shares many examples of her award-winning templates in her usual conversational style. You can buy Dee’s book on Amazon and contact her at dee@themarketinggym.org
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